STOCKTON — Unlike the Marines, the U.S. Census Bureau needs more than just a few good men and women: About two thousand jobs will soon be available paying above minimum wage.

San Joaquin County is one of two sites in the nation selected for the 2008 Census Dress Rehearsal, which serves as a preview for the 2010 count. A nine-county area surrounding Fayetteville, N.C., is the other site.)

Jobs last for five to 10 week periods from May 1 to April 1, 2008. About 450 people are initially needed to verify addresses.

Then, a seven-question form will be mailed out that asks, among other things, a respondent’s name, address and ethnicity, said Irene Castillo with the Stockton census office. Another 1,500 to 2,000 people are needed to follow up with residents who do not respond.

Office jobs are also available. During peak times, about 50 to 75 office jobs need to be filled.

The jobs pay between $9.25 and $15.25 per hour. Mileage is reimbursed if an employee must travel.

Castillo said a basic knowledge of computers — hand-held computers will be used for the first time in census data collecting — and the ability to read a map are necessary skills. Those following up with non-respondents should possess a driver’s license and a vehicle. Another helpful skill is the ability to speak another language, particularly Spanish, Castillo said.

In fact, San Joaquin County was selected for the dress rehearsal because of its social diversity.

“We are fast-growing. We are multi-cultural and multi-lingual here … That makes us unique,” Castillo said.

The census is used as the basis for the allocation of federal funds and to determine how many U.S. representatives an area is allotted.

Those interested should call toll free (866) 376-2008. Applicants will take a

28-question, multiple choice test to measure such abilities as reading and math. A 40-hour training is paid. Due to the large number of applicants, not everyone who is qualified will be hired.

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